Three terrorists on Tuesday were killed in a fight with security forces in an outlying forest village in Shopian, south Kashmir.  

It is the first successful anti-terror operation since the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 25 tourists and a local worker dead.  

Following inputs about the presence of terrorists in remote Shukroo, Kellar village, the Army ring-fenced the area and began a search operation. 

Police and CRPF personnel also joined the mission. 

During the search operation, a group of terrorists hiding in the area opened fire at the security forces. The security forces retaliated at full throttle, which led to the killing of three hardcore terrorists. 

A police official told businessline that of three terrorists, one is believed to be a Pakistani national.

According to the official, the group is suspected to be part of proscribed terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba. He said that the operation was still in progress. However, the identity of the slain terrorists could not be immediately ascertained. 

Indian Army in a post on X wrote, “On 13 May 2025, based on specific intelligence of a #RashtriyasRifles Unit, about presence of terrorists in general area Shoekal Keller, #Shopian, #IndianArmy launched a search and destroy Operation. During the operation, terrorists opened heavy fire and fierce firefight ensued, which resulted in elimination of three hard-core terrorists. Operation is in progress”. 

Published on May 13, 2025